A Follow Up on Biochemical Parameters in Dengue Patients Attending BIRDEM Hospital

Abstract

During a one-year period between January to December 2002, a total of 84 cases were clinically diagnosed as dengue in the medical unit I of BIRDEM. They were classified into 4 groups: dengue fever (28), DHF-I (31), DHF-II (17), and DHF-III (8). Amongst the patients, 52 (61.9%) were males and 32 (38.1%) were females. SGPT and SGOT were above normal cutoff (40 IU) points in 64 (76.2%) and 73(86.9%) cases respectively. SGOT was higher than SGPT in most cases. S. Bilirubin was almost normal in all cases. S. Calcium level was low in a significant number of cases. Mean S. Ca was 8.69 ± 0.68 in case of DF and lower, i.e. 7.83 ± 0.66 in DHF-III. Mean Hb% also correlated with severity, i.e. 13.3 (SD ± 1.6) in DF and 14.8 ± 1.3 in DHF-III. ESR was lowest in DHF-III. Anti dengue IgM and IgG were done on 58 cases; 41 (70.7%) were IgM positive while 37 were positive for IgG.

Dengue: A Practical Experience of Medical Professionals in Hospital

“…12 Therefore, AST, ALT are valuable parameters for the evaluation of the severity of the disease. In a study carried out by Nguyen et al 13 and Uddin KN et al, 14 AST values were reported to be frequently abnormal, reaching values higher than those of ALT, we have found similar findings in our study. 15 Therefore, AST, ALT are valuable parameters for the evaluation of the severity of the infection.…”

Hypocalcemia is associated with disease severity in patients with dengue

“…Calcium entry via neuronal calcium channels is essential for neurotransmission, hence calcium plays an important role in the smooth functioning of the autonomic nervous system [12]. Uddin et al reported that the mean total calcium levels were significantly lower in patients with DHF than in patients with uncomplicated dengue fever (DF) [13]. However, free calcium is a more useful index than total calcium and provides a better indication of calcium status [14].…”

Dengue and Calcium

“…Hypocalcemia has been documented in dengue infection[ 3 4 5 ] and is seen more frequently in patients with severe dengue. [ 4 ] Nonetheless, evidence with regards to the role of calcium homeostasis in dengue is limited, and current recommendations do not mention the need to monitor or correct blood calcium levels in dengue.…”